Eminem, pictured here at the 2012 Coachella Valley Music and Arts, is one of the headliners at 2014's Lollapalooza.(Photo: Chris Pizzello, AP)

3. Congress enters its summer recess & Cantor quits

Representatives and Senators alike spend their last working day on Capitol Hill Friday with congressional recess beginning at the end of the day. Typically, the month-long recess lasts throughout August, but as the border funding bill collapsed Thursday under the weight of conservative opposition, many Republicans are wary to let the bill wait until September. Early Friday, departing House Majority Leader Eric Cantor said he will quit Congress altogether in August.

Following last month's rapid employment gains — reaching a seven-year high — the bureau will release a series of updates that include July's latest figures. Economists have estimated that 231,000 new jobs were created last month, matching the average monthly additions so far this year, and matching a sixth-month trend of 200,000-plus gains.

Hiring has picked up steam through most of 2014.(Photo: Wilfredo Lee, AP)

5. Superhero-studded 'Guardians of the Galaxy' opens in theaters

Comic-book fans, rejoice! Marvel's band of misfit criminals-turned-superheroes arrives on silver screens across the country Friday. Starring comedian Chris Pratt, a green Zoe Saldana and even a raccoon-ified version of Bradley Cooper, this action flick hopes to deliver big numbers. See what film critic Claudia Puig (@claudiapuig) had to say about the "perfectly pitched escapist fun" of the movie.

Before you see Marvel’s newest blockbuster, Carly Mallenbaum and Brian Truitt introduce you to its stars Rocket, Groot, Gamora, Drax and Peter Quill.

Bonus: Happy Birthday, MTV!

Cable's first network devoted to "music television" went on air for the first time 32 years ago, broadcasting The Buggles' Video Killed the Radio Star.